In its fourteenth year Sasquatch! Music Festival, at the iconic Gorge Amphitheater, gave fans an experience they will not soon forget. There were issues with the high-tech wristbands that kept many festival goers from entering the grounds on the first day, and the sound pollution from stage to stage was at times was truly awful, but in spite of everything, all of the artists performed admirably while some made a better impression than others. Here are the highlights…
Of Monsters and Men
Taking the stage sandwiched between sets by Gogol Bordello and Sleater-Kinney, Of Monsters and Men was easily the highlight of day one. Back in the standard campgrounds, affectionately referred to as District 9, everyone was buzzing about them. The band’s set showed their ability to rock the crowd before displaying moments of intimacy, highlighted by the stage presence of Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, whom I fell deeply in love with. Nanna, if you’re reading this: I am currently single. The Icelandic rockers mesmerized the crowd with hit songs from their first album and previews of their forthcoming sophomore release, Beneath the Skin.
The Decemberists
Saturday was a solid day for rock ‘n’ roll and the classic Portland indie rockers put on a hell of a show in front of a crowd heavily laden with die-hard fans. The group both rocked hard and grooved quietly, which became a problem fifteen minutes into the show when Fuzz kicked off their set next door. In the pit there were no real issues but in the upper lawn you could hear Fuzz much better than you could hear The Decemberists, which was a major bummer, and this became an unfortunate trend the entire weekend. The band finished their show with “The Mariners Revenge Song” complete with a giant whale eating every member of the band, save Colin Meloy who then brought his band back to life to end the song and set. Watching the sunset behind the stage was nothing short of magical and hearing the band in their home region was beautiful.
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Father John Misty
Have you ever heard an angel sing? I would imagine it would sound something like Joshua Tillman did Saturday night. His set began on the second largest stage between main stage shows by The Decemberists and Modest Mouse, while competing for sound with Kiesza leaking from the EDM tent next door. Father John Misty made an impression on many who were not familiar with his music, and for the fans, his show was a major treat on a day already filled with tons of quality rock.
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Modest Mouse
Local legends Modest Mouse were one of the most anticipated shows of the entire weekend. Kicking off with “The World at Large” the set featured no less than five songs from Good News for People Who Love Bad News. It’s always painful to see a talented band give it all they’ve got only to be diminished by poor production. The levels of feedback during the set was depressing, but the bands professionalism never faltered and Isaac Brock’s guitar tech, surely one of the hardest working individuals I have ever seen, did everything in her power to correct the issues. Nonetheless, Modest Mouse showed why they have such a passionate cult following and have no issues selling out their shows.
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Spoon
What better way to end a day full of great rock bands than to have Spoon kick off at midnight? Considered by many to be one of the most committed touring rock bands in the world, Spoon played at the same time as Odesza, showing an obvious split between fans of rock and EDM. The legends from Austin played a solid show that featured long jams and intricate guitar solos, closing the most exciting day of the festival well past one in the morning and doing so with style.
Shakey Graves
Keeping the Austin vibe going, Shakey kicked off his main stage set early on day three. Playing solo, as he is well known to do, with only his guitar and drum, he played several songs before being joined by his band to finish the set. His unique bluesy, folk rock and roll was something that stood out on a day dominated by electronic music and pop.
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Milky Chance
Easily the best main stage turnout for a day set the entire weekend, Milky Chance played an extremely groovy show. The German band play fun folk rock that is impossible not to dance to. So danceable, in fact, that the aisle between the upper and lower lawns was flooded with dancers who were ignoring the securities attempts to usher them back onto the grass.
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Hiss Golden Messenger
Originally scheduled to play at 6:30, Hiss Golden Messenger actually played at 5, which contributed to only a few hundred people watching the show. Thankfully, you could hear them playing “Saturday Song” from the line to the restrooms and we ran as fast as we could. The duo from North Carolina did not let the low turnout bother them as they played a killer set. Specializing in indie folk rock with country influences, the show hit hard early and never let up.
José González
A founding member of Junip, José’s set was very relaxing and just what everyone needed halfway through the third day. The crowd was huge for the smaller Bigfoot stage and the band fed off the energy radiating in front of them. Playing with the sun setting José mentioned the natural beauty of The Gorge and was obviously at home as he laid down many of his most popular songs as well as some from Junip.
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Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters
The famous Led Zeppelin front man went on record several months back in a Rolling Stone interview saying that his new band would play very little Zeppelin songs, stating that “I’m not part of a jukebox!” But that did not stop him from playing no less than six songs from the legendary band’s repertoire, the highlight of which was a high energy and crowd pleasing “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You.”
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Courtney Barnett
The Australian singer-songwriter is one of the fastest growing rock musicians in the world right now. Her unique storytelling punk rock reminds you of old-school punk, the kind before punk rock knew what it even was. Her midday main stage set was packed with both old fans and new and her band impressed with their ability to rock hard and improvise.
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Tame Impala
When asked what my favorite set from the festival was, I didn’t need to think long before blurting out “Tame Impala was amazing,” and I meant it too. The Australian psychedelic rock band played the most impressive show of the entire weekend. Complete with loud and hard hitting guitar solos and moments of quiet but intricate psychedelic spacing, the band showed they can do it all. At times reminding you of classic rock while at others playing a modern acid-friendly groove, Tame Impala is easily one of the most inspiring live bands in the world these days.
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Ryan Adams
Taking the stage after Tame Impala, Ryan Adams immediately noted the noise coming from across the festival grounds, jokingly (though with hints of frustration) saying that he would have to play some bass heavy remixes. The set saw Ryan making jokes and berating several of his fans, one of whom requested “Summer of ‘69” several times, a song by Bryan Adams, it was never clear if that individual was drunk, stupid or joking, but Ryan burned him regardless.
Sasquatch has staying power, and the best thing going for the festival, aside from the always great lineup, is being located at one of, if not the greatest, amphitheater in the country. The Gorge was beautiful, the weather was great, and the crowds were friendly, mellow, and had a ton of fun.
